Dental School Duration: How Long Does It Take to Become a Dentist?

In most countries, the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, which is required to practice dentistry, takes four years of academic study following a four-year undergraduate degree. This means a total of eight years of education after high school.

United States: In the United States, dental school typically takes four years to complete, after which graduates are awarded a DDS or DMD degree.

Canada: In Canada, dental school takes four years to complete, after which graduates are awarded a DDS degree.

United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom, dental school takes five years to complete. After four years, students are awarded a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree, and after an additional year of clinical training, they receive the Licentiate in Dental Surgery (LDS) qualification.

Australia: In Australia, dental school takes five years to complete, and graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) degree.

New Zealand: In New Zealand, dental school takes five years to complete, and graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree.